Thermographic detector device for a fire alarm control system

ABSTRACT

A thermographic detector device for a fire alarm control system is described herein. In some examples, one or more embodiments include a thermography camera configured to capture a thermal image within a field of view of the thermographic detector device, a memory and a processor to execute instructions stored in the memory to detect a fault associated with the thermographic detector device, wherein the fault includes at least one of a field of view fault, an operating parameter fault, and an internal fault, generate a fault signal upon detecting the fault, and provide a notification of the fault using the fault signal.

PRIORITY INFORMATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/517,079, filed Jul. 19, 2019, the contents of which are incorporatedby reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a thermographic detectordevice for a fire alarm control system.

BACKGROUND

Facilities, such as commercial facilities, office buildings, airports,hospitals, and the like, may have fire alarm control systems that can beused during an emergency situation (e.g., a fire) to manage a fire eventin and/or around the facility. For example, a fire alarm control systemmay include sensors such as smoke detectors, heat detectors, and flamedetectors, among other types of sensors, as well as control equipmentsuch as fire alarm control panels. However, the environment of suchfacilities may present various challenges, such as dust, steam, etc., tothe operational capabilities of the fire alarm control system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an example of an illustration of a fire alarm control system,in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an example of an illustration of a thermographic detectordevice, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 3 is an example of an illustration of a loop communication systemfor use with a thermographic detector device, in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an example of an illustration of a lens cleansing system foruse with a thermographic detector device, in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A thermographic detector device for a fire alarm control system isdescribed herein. In some examples, one or more embodiments include athermographic detector device, comprising a thermography cameraconfigured to capture a thermal image within a field of view of thethermographic detector device, a memory and a processor to executeinstructions stored in the memory to detect an alarm and/or faultassociated with the thermographic detector device, where the faultincludes at least one of a field of view fault, an operating parameterfault, and an internal fault, generate a fault signal upon detecting thefault, and provide a notification of the fault using the fault signal.Fault signals are also known as trouble signals.

A thermographic detector device for a fire alarm control system inaccordance with the present disclosure can overcome challenges (e.g.,dust, steam, etc.) presented by a facility that may cause previousdetector devices to be inoperable. For instance, a thermographicdetector device in accordance with the present disclosure may be able toprovide visual verification of a fire occurring in the facility.

Further, previous detector devices for fire alarm control systems mayonly detect limited types of faults associated with the detector device,or may not be able to detect faults at all. For example, previousdetector devices may detect and generate a fault signal associated withone type of fault, but may fail to detect other types of faults. Thus,these detector devices may not be capable of performing continuous anduninterrupted operation. As such, a fire alarm control system using sucha detector device can fail to provide a notification of a faultassociated with the detector device. Failure to provide a notificationof the fault to a user may result in a failure to trigger and sound analarm warning occupants of a facility of an emergency situation (e.g., afire).

In contrast, a thermographic detector device for a fire alarm controlsystem in accordance with the present disclosure can allow for immediatefailsafe fault detection by being able to detect one or more of aplurality of different types of faults. For example, the thermographicdetector device can detect that there is a fault associated with thethermographic detector device, where the fault includes at least one ofa field of view fault, an operating parameter fault, and an internalfault. Upon detecting the fault, a fault signal can be generated,indicated locally and sent by the thermographic detector device to acontrol panel and/or computing device (e.g., a desktop or mobile device)to provide a notification of the detected fault. Additionally, in somecases, the thermographic detector device can determine the type of thefault associated with the thermographic detector device and generate afault signal which includes an indication of the type of the detectedfault. This can allow for users and/or occupants to easily determinethat there is a fault associated with the thermographic detector deviceand, in some cases, what type of detected fault. As such, a user canmore easily identify a fault and remotely monitor the fire alarm controlsystem, allowing the user to make informed decisions regardingmaintenance, saving on time, effort, and money. Further, such failsafefault detection can ensure that the thermographic detector device isoperating continuously and uninterrupted. Thus, in an emergencysituation, occupants of the facility will receive a visual and/or audionotification.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof. The drawings show by wayof illustration how one or more embodiments of the disclosure may bepracticed.

These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those ofordinary skill in the art to practice one or more embodiments of thisdisclosure. It is to be understood that other embodiments may beutilized and that process, electrical, and/or structural changes may bemade without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As will be appreciated, elements shown in the various embodiments hereincan be added, exchanged, combined, and/or eliminated so as to provide anumber of additional embodiments of the present disclosure. Theproportion and the relative scale of the elements provided in thefigures are intended to illustrate the embodiments of the presentdisclosure and should not be taken in a limiting sense.

The figures herein follow a numbering convention in which the firstdigit or digits correspond to the drawing figure number and theremaining digits identify an element or component in the drawing.Similar elements or components between different figures may beidentified by the use of similar digits. For example, 102 may referenceelement “02” in FIG. 1, and a similar element may be referenced as 202in FIG. 2.

As used herein, “a”, “an”, or “a number of” something can refer to oneor more such things, while “a plurality of” something can refer to morethan one such things. For example, “a number of components” can refer toone or more components, while “a plurality of components” can refer tomore than one component. Additionally, the designator “N” as usedherein, particularly with respect to reference numerals in the drawings,indicates that a number of the particular feature so designated can beincluded with a number of embodiments of the present disclosure. Thisnumber may be the same or different between designations.

FIG. 1 is an example of an illustration of a fire alarm control system100, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The fire alarm control system 100 can be the fire alarmcontrol system of a facility (e.g., building), such as, for instance, alarge facility having a large number of floors, such as a commercialfacility, office building, airport, hospital, and the like. However,embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to a particulartype of facility.

Fire alarm control system 100 can include a plurality of componentslocated throughout a facility (e.g., on different floors of thefacility) that can be used to detect and/or manage a fire (e.g., heatand/or flame of the fire) occurring in the facility, and/or to prevent afire from occurring in the facility. For example, the plurality ofcomponents may include thermographic detector devices 102-1, 102-2, . .. , 102-N that can sense a fire occurring in the facility, alarms thatcan provide a notification of the fire to the occupants of the facility,fans and/or dampers that can perform smoke control operations (e.g.,pressurizing, purging, exhausting, etc.) during the fire, and/orsprinklers that can provide water to extinguish the fire, among othercomponents.

As shown in FIG. 1, fire alarm control system 100 can include aplurality of thermographic detector devices 102-1, 102-2, . . . , 102-Ninstalled within the facility. Each of the respective thermographicdetector devices 102-1, 102-2, . . . , 102-N can include any type ofthermography camera (e.g., thermographic imager, microbolometer,radiometric detector, etc.) configured to capture (e.g., detect) thermalimages of a monitored area (e.g., an area within a field of view of thethermography camera lens) allowing for early detection of smoke and/orfire within a facility. For example, thermography cameras can form aheat zone image using long wave infrared (LWIR) radiation. Therelationship between a surface of a body and the intensity of itsemitted radiation can be used to determine the temperature of an objector area without physical contact. Additionally, thermographic detectordevices 102-1, 102-2, . . . , 102-N may be configured to detect flameswithin the monitored areas of thermographic detector devices 102-1,102-2, . . . , 102-N and provide video information to visualize themonitored area.

Thermographic detector devices 102-1, 102-2, . . . , 102-N each caninclude a memory, and a processor configured to execute instructionsstored in the memory to detect a fault associated with the thermographicdetector device. As described further herein (e.g., in connection withFIG. 2), the fault can include at least one of a field of view fault, anoperating parameter fault, and an internal fault. Additionally,thermographic detector devices 102-1, 102-2, . . . , 102-N can beconfigured to generate a fault signal upon detecting the fault andprovide a notification of the fault using the fault signal. Forinstance, the thermographic detector device can provide a notificationof the fault to a user by sending the fault signal to a separatecomponent of the fire alarm control system, as will be further describedherein.

As shown in FIG. 1, fire alarm control system 100 can include a firealarm control panel 104. Control panel 104 can be any different type ofphysical control panel, such as a control box, installed in thefacility.

As used herein, the term “fire alarm control panel” refers to acontrolling component of a fire alarm control system. For example, afire alarm control panel can receive information from fire hardwaredevices (e.g., initiating devices) in the facility, monitor operationalintegrity of fire hardware devices in the facility, control firehardware devices in the facility, and/or transmit information about firehardware devices in the facility, among other operations. As an example,a fire alarm control panel can receive information from, monitor,control, and/or transmit information about sensors in the facility. Asused herein, the term “sensor” refers to devices designed to detect andreport fires.

Control panel 104 can be used by a user to monitor and/or controlthermographic detector devices 102-1, 102-2, . . . , 102-N, among othercomponents of fire alarm control system 100. For instance, the user canuse control panel 104 to directly control the operation of (e.g.,actions performed by) thermographic detector devices 102-1, 102-2, . . ., 102-N. Further, control panel 104 can receive (e.g., collect) data,such as, for instance, the fault signal generated by thermographicdetector devices 102-1, 102-2, . . . , 102-N. For instance, controlpanel 104 can receive the fault signal directly from thermographicdetector devices 102-1, 102-2, . . . , 102-N via transmission path 118-2by which the thermographic detector devices and the control panel arecommunicatively coupled.

Control panel 104 can also receive data, such as, for instance, adetected temperature and/or video information (e.g., images) captured bythermographic detector devices 102-1, 102-2, . . . , 102-N. For example,minimum, maximum, and/or rate of rise levels can be associated withtemperature measurement or characteristic image patterns captured by thethermographic detector devices, which can indicate that there is anemergency situation (e.g., a fire). Upon detection of the emergencysituation, control panel 104 can instruct alarm signaling device 106 toprovide a visual and/or audio notification to occupants of the facility.

Additionally, fire alarm control system 100 can detect a failureassociated with a connection between thermographic detector device 102and control panel 104. The connection between thermographic detectordevice 102 and control panel 104 can contain a fault circuit forgenerating a fault signal and providing a notification of the faultusing the fault signal. Additionally, the connection betweenthermographic detector device 102 and control panel 104 can contain analarm circuit for generating an alarm signal and providing anotification of the alarm using the alarm signal. A loss of connectionbetween thermographic detector device 102 and control panel 104 canprevent the detection and/or notification of a fault associated with thethermographic detector device. For example, the loss of connection canbe caused by a short circuit in the fault circuit and/or an open circuitin the alarm circuit. Thus, fire alarm control system 100 can beconfigured to detect a fault associated with a connection betweenthermographic detector device 102 and control panel 104, and provide anotification of the fault associated with the connection.

As shown in FIG. 1, fire alarm control system 100 can include a videomanagement system 108. Video management system 108 can be locatedremotely from the facility in which thermographic detector devices102-1, 102-2, . . . , 102-N and control panel 104 are installed and, insome embodiments, can be part of and/or coupled to a computing device114 that is part of a centralized management platform located remotelyfrom the facility. Video management system 108 can store data receivedby thermographic detector devices via transmission path 118-1 by whichthe thermographic detector devices and the video management system arecommunicatively coupled. Video management system 108 can communicatewith computing device 114 via network 112, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Forexample, video management system 108 can receive data (e.g., a faultsignal and/or video information) from thermographic detector devices102-1, 102-2, . . . , 102-N and send (e.g., transmit and/or upload) thedata to computing device 114 via network 112.

Network 112 can be a network relationship through which video managementsystem 108 and computing device 114 can communicate. Examples of such anetwork relationship can include a distributed computing environment(e.g., a cloud computing environment), a wide area network (WAN) such asthe Internet, a local area network (LAN), a personal area network (PAN),a campus area network (CAN), or metropolitan area network (MAN), amongother types of network relationships. For instance, network 112 caninclude a number of servers that receive information from, and transmitinformation to, video management system 108 and computing device 114 viaa wired or wireless network.

As used herein, a “network” can provide a communication system thatdirectly or indirectly links two or more computers and/or peripheraldevices and allows users to access resources on other computing devicesand exchange messages with other users. A network can allow users toshare resources on their own systems with other network users and toaccess information on centrally located systems or on systems that arelocated at remote locations. For example, a network can tie a number ofcomputing devices together to form a distributed control network (e.g.,cloud).

A network may provide connections to the Internet and/or to the networksof other entities (e.g., organizations, institutions, etc.). Users mayinteract with network-enabled software applications to make a networkrequest, such as to get a file or print on a network printer.Applications may also communicate with network management software,which can interact with network hardware to transmit information betweendevices on the network.

As shown in FIG. 1, fire alarm control system 100 can include a backuppower source 116, such as a battery backup. Backup power source 116 canbe located remotely from the thermographic detector devices and thecontrol panel, and can be located within the facility in whichthermographic detector devices 102-1, 102-2, . . . , 102-N and controlpanel 104 are installed or remote from the facility. In an instancewhere there is a fault associated with the primary power source, whichmay be located within control panel 104, that prevents the primary powersource from providing power to thermographic detector devices 102-1,102-2, . . . , 102-N via transmission path 118-2, backup power source116 can provide power to thermographic detector devices 102-1, 102-2, .. . , 102-N via transmission path 118-N. This can allow thermographicdetector devices 102-1, 102-2, . . . , 102-N to continue to operate whenthere is a failure associated with the primary power source.

As shown in FIG. 1, fire alarm control system 100 can include an alarmsignaling device 106. Alarm signaling device 106 can be configured toprovide a notification of the fire to the occupants of the facility viaa visual and/or audio notification. Alarm signaling device 106 can beinstalled within the facility in which thermographic detector devices102-1, 102-2, . . . , 102-N and control panel 104 is installed. Controlpanel 104 can be configured to control the operation of alarm signalingdevice 106. For example, upon detection of an emergency situation (e.g.,detecting flames within a thermal image) within the facility, controlpanel 104 can instruct fire signaling device 106 to provide the visualand/or audio notification.

As shown in FIG. 1, fire alarm control system 100 can include acomputing device 114 configured to provide information associated with adetected fault to a user. Computing device 114 can be located remotelyfrom the facility in which control panel 104 and thermographic detector102 are installed allowing for a user to more easily monitorthermographic detector devices 102-1, 102-2, . . . , 102-N. Computingdevice 114 can receive a fault signal and/or video information fromvideo management system 112 via network 112. The fault signal caninclude information associated with the fault including a time of thefault, a location of the fault, indicating information for thethermographic detector device, and a type of the thermographic detectordevice. Additionally, computing device 114 can receive, from videomanagement system 108, and display images captured by thermographicdetector devices 102-1, 102-2, . . . , 102-N.

As used herein, the term “computing device” can include a laptopcomputer, desktop computer, or mobile device, such as, for instance, asmart phone or tablet, among other types of computing devices. Thecomputing device can include a user interface. A user can interact withthe computing device via the user interface. For example, the userinterface can provide (e.g., display) information to and/or receiveinformation from (e.g., input by) the user of the computing device.

In some embodiments, user interface can be a graphical user interface(GUI) that can include a display (e.g., a screen) that can provideinformation to, and/or receive information from, the user of thecomputing device. The display can be, for instance, a touch-screen(e.g., the GUI can include touch-screen capabilities). As an additionalexample, the user interface can include a keyboard and/or mouse that theuser can use to input information into the computing device, and/or aspeaker that can play audio to, and/or receive audio (e.g., voice input)from, the user. Embodiments of the present disclosure, however, are notlimited to a particular type(s) of user interface.

FIG. 2 is an example of an illustration of a thermographic detectordevice 202, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure. Thermographic detector device 202 can be, for instance, thethermographic detector devices 102-1, 102-2, . . . , 102-N previouslydescribed in connection with FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 2, thermographic detector device 202 can include aprocessor 224 and a memory 222. The memory 222 can be any type ofstorage medium that can be accessed by the processor 224 to performvarious examples of the present disclosure. For example, the memory 222can be a non-transitory computer readable medium having computerreadable instructions (e.g., computer program instructions) storedthereon that are executable by the processor 224 for detecting a faultassociated with thermographic detector device 202 in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

The memory 222 can be volatile or nonvolatile memory. The memory 222 canalso be removable (e.g., portable) memory, or non-removable (e.g.,internal) memory. For example, the memory 222 can be random accessmemory (RAM) (e.g., dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and/or phasechange random access memory (PCRAM)), read-only memory (ROM) (e.g.,electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) and/orcompact-disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), flash memory, a laser disc, adigital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical storage, and/or a magneticmedium such as magnetic cassettes, tapes, or disks, among other types ofmemory.

Further, although memory 222 is illustrated as being located withinthermographic detector device 202, embodiments of the present disclosureare not so limited. For example, memory 222 can also be located internalto another computing resource (e.g., enabling computer readableinstructions to be downloaded over the Internet or another wired orwireless connection).

Thermographic detector device 202 can be configured to detect a faultassociated with thermographic detector device 202. The fault can includeat least one of a field of view fault, an operating parameter fault, andan internal fault. Upon detecting the fault, thermographic detectordevice 202 can generate a fault signal and provide a notification of thefault using the fault signal.

In some examples, thermographic detector device 202 can be configured todetermine the type of the detected fault, where the type is one of afield of view fault, an operating parameter fault, an internal fault,and a power supply fault. Upon detecting the type of the fault,thermographic detector device 202 can generate a fault signal thatincludes an indication of the type of the detected fault, and provide anotification of the detected fault using the fault signal.

The fault signal can be transmitted via one of the plurality oftransmission paths 218-1, 218-2, . . . , 218-N within the fire alarmcontrol system. This can allow for a user to be notified thatthermographic detector device 202 and/or a separate component (e.g., atransmission path, a power source, an alarm signaling device, etc.) isnot operating properly.

In an example, there can be a failure associated with a power supply ofthermographic detector device 202. As previously described in connectionwith FIG. 1, thermographic detector device 202 can receive power from apower source, which can be a primary power supply located within acontrol panel or a backup power source (e.g., battery backup) locatedseparate from the control panel and thermographic detector device 202.Thermographic detector device 202 can detect a failure associated withthe power supply of (e.g., a drop of supply voltage to) thermographicdetector device 202, such as a failure associated with the power supplyfunctionality itself or the transmission path from the power source tothermographic detector device 202.

As shown in FIG. 2, thermographic detector device 202 can include acamera (e.g., lens) 226 with a field of view 232. As previouslydescribed, thermographic detector device 202 can capture thermal imageswithin a monitored area of a facility. For example, thermographicdetector device 202 can detect fire within the field of view 232 of thecamera 226 of thermographic detector device 202. In some cases, therecan be a fault that prevents thermographic detector device 202 fromcapturing thermal images and/or video information within field of view232. The field of view fault can include at least one of an obstructionin the field of view, a degradation of view of thermographic detectordevice 202, a fault associated with a lens cleansing operation ofthermographic detector device 202, and a masking of thermographicdetector device 202.

In an example, there can be an obstruction in field of view 232 ofthermographic detector device 202 that prevents thermographic detectordevice 202 from being able to permanently monitor its target area. Forexample, an obstruction can appear within field of view 232 and preventthermographic detector device 202 from monitoring a target area of afacility. Additionally, field of view 232 can be degraded by analteration of a focal length of lens 226 of thermographic detectordevice 202. Thermographic detector device 202 can detect a fault thatprevents thermographic detector device 202 from monitoring the facility,such as a fault associated with thermographic detector device's 202ability to detect an obstruction within field of view 232, collecting orcomparing the collected images, and/or detect an alteration of the focallength of lens 226 of thermographic detector device 202. For example,thermographic detector device 202 can compare a series of imagescollected over a period of time by thermographic detector device 202 toan image collected at the time of commission to detect such a fault.

In an example, there can be a degradation of view of thermographicdetector device 202. The ability of thermographic detector device 202 tocapture thermal images can be diminished below the level needed todetect or fire due to, but not limited to, contamination from dust ordirt on lens 226 of thermographic detector device 202 or environmentalconditions (e.g., dust, steam, etc.) within the field of view 232 of thethermographic detector device 202. Thermographic detector device 202 candetect a degradation of view of thermographic detector device 202 thatcan prevent thermographic detector device 202 from detecting anemergency situation within field of view 232.

In an example, there can be a fault associated with a lens cleansingoperation of thermographic detector device 202. To reduce the risk ofthe degradation of view of thermographic detector device 202, a lenscleansing system can be installed within the fire alarm control system.As further described herein (e.g., in connection with FIG. 4), anexample of such a system can include air rings or air blades thatcontinuously blow compressed air onto the lens 226 of thermographicdetector device 202. This can keep the lens free of dust and dirt.Thermographic detector device 202 can detect a fault associated with thelens cleansing operation (e.g., a loss of continuous air flow to thelens) that can prevent the lens cleansing system from operating.

In an example, there can be a masking of thermographic detector device202. Thermographic detector device 202 (e.g., lens 226) depends on afree field of view to operate. In an instance where lens 226 ofthermographic detector device 202 is masked, thermographic detectordevice 202 may not be able to monitor the facility. Masking can include,but is not limited to, physically covering lens 226 or spraying anopaque liquid on lens 226. Thermographic detector device 202 can detectwhen thermographic detector device 202 is unable to monitor the facilityas a result of masking of the lens of thermographic detector device 202.Additionally, thermographic detector device 202 can detect whenthermographic detector device 202 is unable to monitor the facility as aresult of a partial obstruction of the lens of thermographic detectordevice 202. For example, a portion of the thermal image can beobstructed by an object being placed within field of view 232.

When the fire alarm control system is installed, thermographic detectordevice 202 can be calibrated and installed to operate in a manner thatallows for detection and management of a fire event in and/or around thefacility in which the thermographic detector device 202 is installed.However, a fault associated with an operating parameter can preventthermographic detector device 202 from detecting and managing the fireevent. The operating parameter fault can include at least one of asensitivity drift of thermographic detector device 202, a deviation of apan and tilt unit of thermographic detector device 202, and a deviationof thermographic detector device 202 from an initial target.

In an example, there can be a sensitivity drift of thermographicdetector device 202. For instance, alarm levels of the detector devicecan be set to a particular temperature with a determined acceptedtolerance, and thermographic detector device 202 can be calibrated tooperate accordingly. Thermographic detector device 202 can detect adrift of sensitivity that causes thermographic detector device 202 todeviate from these set operating parameters and wrongly detect a fireevent or cause a fire event to not be detected.

In an example, there can be a deviation of a pan and tilt unit ofthermographic detector device 202. Thermographic detector device 202 caninclude a pan-tilt-zoom camera (PTZ camera) (e.g., imager 223 can be aPTZ camera). A PTZ camera is a camera that is capable of remotedirectional and zoom control. In contrast to fixed position cameras, PTZcameras may position itself to pre-determined positions and fields ofview in a pre-determined time sequence. Thermographic detector device202 can electrically or mechanically detect a deviation from thepre-determined positions, field of views, and/or time sequence which mayprevent thermographic detector device 202 from monitoring the facility.For instance, the thermographic detector device can use encoders tomeasure and record the position of camera 226 through the sequenceand/or compare recorded images from different positions during previoussequences to those of subsequent sequences.

In an example, there can be a deviation of thermographic detector device202 from an initial target. When installed within a facility,thermographic detector device 202 can be positioned so that the areawhich is intended to be monitored is within field of view 232.Thermographic detector device 202 can detect when the thermographicdetector device 202 has deviated from the position such that the targetarea is not within field of view 232. Deviation of thermographicdetector device 202 from an initial target can be the result oftampering with the mechanical mounting of thermographic detector device202, among other examples.

Additionally, there can be internal faults associated thermographicdetector device 202 which prevent thermographic detector device 202 fromdetecting an event (e.g., a fire alarm) within the facility. Theinternal fault can include at least one of saturation of a thermographicdetector device 202 and an internal operation fault of thermographicdetector device 202.

In an example, there can be a saturation of imager 223 of thermographicdetector device 202. Imager 223 can be a sensor that can detect andconvey information used to produce an image by converting radiatedthermal energy into signals. For instance, if thermographic detectordevice 202 is directly exposed to direct or indirect light sources, suchas the sun, flood lights, etc., imager 223 may become saturated, whichcan prevent thermographic detector device 202 from operating properly.Thermographic detector device 202 can detect when imager 223 has becomesaturated such that thermographic detector device 202 is prevented frommonitoring the facility.

In an example, there can be an internal operation fault of thermographicdetector device 202. The operation of thermographic detector device 202can involve a number of internal factors which allow for continuousmonitoring and detection by thermographic detector device 202 (e.g., bycamera 226). These factors can include, but are not limited to,contrast, focus, brightness, sharpness, etc. Thermographic detectordevice 202 can detect a fault associated with any of these factors whichcan prevent thermographic detector device 202 from monitoring thefacility.

Upon detection of at least one of a field of view fault, an operatingparameter fault, and an internal fault, thermographic detector device202 can generate a fault signal and provide a notification of the faultusing (e.g., by transmitting) the fault signal. The fault signal caninclude information associated with the detected fault, such as the typeof the fault.

As shown in FIG. 2, thermographic detector device 202 can transmit datavia a plurality of transmission paths 218-1, 218-2, . . . , 218-N. Forinstance, upon generating the fault and/or alarm signal, thermographicdetector device 202 can send the fault and/or alarm signal to a separatecomponent of the fire alarm control system to provide a notification ofthe fault and/or alarm to a user, as previously described (e.g., inconnection with FIG. 1). For example, thermographic detector device 202can send the fault and/or alarm signal to a control panel, such ascontrol panel 104 described in FIG. 1, via transmission path 218-2.Thermographic detector device 202 can also send the fault signal to acentralized system (e.g., video management system 108, as described inFIG. 1) via transmission path 218-1.

Additionally, thermographic detector device 202 can receive power viatransmission path 218-N. For example, as previously described (e.g., inconnection with FIG. 1), the fire alarm control system can include apower source that is located within or separate from the control panel.The power source can include a primary power source and/or a backuppower source (e.g., a battery backup). In an instance where there is afault associated with the primary power source (e.g., the primary powersource no longer provides power to thermographic detector device 202),the secondary power source can transmit power to thermographic detectordevice 202.

Thermographic detector device 202 can also transmit data associated withthe operation of thermographic detector device 202 to a control paneland/or a video management system. For example, thermographic detectordevice 202 can send video information to the video management system.The video information can include images that can allow a user tovisualize the area monitored by thermographic detector device 202.

As shown in FIG. 2, thermographic detector device 202 can include alight source 228 configured to provide a notification of a detectedfault. For example, light source 228 can be a light emitting diode (LED)or any other type of light source that can provide a notification of thedetected fault and/or alarm. Upon detecting the fault or alarm,thermographic detector device 202 can generate a fault signal or alarmsignal and notify a user of the detected fault or alarm, viailluminating light source 228. This can allow a user to more easily benotified that there is a fault associated with thermographic detectordevice 202 and that maintenance is needed. Alarm notification via lightsource 228 may take priority over fault notification via light source228 when there is a detected fault and alarm occurring simultaneously.

FIG. 3 is an example of an illustration of a loop communication system320 for use with a thermographic detector device, in accordance with oneor more embodiments of the present disclosure. The thermographicdetector device can be, for instance, the thermographic detector devicepreviously described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2. For example,thermographic detector device can be thermographic detector device 102previously described in connection with FIG. 1 or thermographic detectordevice 202 previously described in connection with FIG. 2.

In some cases, there can be a fault associated with the transmission ofan alarm signal between components of the fire alarm control system. Forexample, there can be a fault associated with alarm signaling of thethermographic detector device. Failsafe fault signaling allows for analarm signal to always be transmitted to a fire alarm control panel(e.g., control panel 104 previously described in connection with FIG. 1)or to notify immediately that alarm transmission is no longerguaranteed. In such a case, if there is a fault associated with thetransmission of the alarm signal, the fire alarm control system can userelay contacts and loop communication to guarantee alarm signaling. Thefire alarm control panel can detect a fault associated with alarmsignaling that would prevent the transmission of the alarm signal andnotification of the detected fire.

In an example, there can be an interruption in a transmission path to orfrom the fire alarm control panel. As described herein (e.g., inconnection with FIG. 1), the fire alarm control system can include aplurality of transmission paths, which can transmit a generated fault oralarm signal from the thermographic detector device, power tothermographic detector device, and operating data from the thermographicdetector device, among other data associated with the fire alarm controlsystem. If there is an interruption (e.g., break) in any one of thetransmission paths, components within the fire alarm control system maybe unable to transmit data or signals. The fire alarm control panel canpermanently supervise the transmission paths to immediately detect aninterruption in a transmission path to or from the thermographicdetector device that would prevent the use of the transmission paths. Asshown in FIG. 3, a fire alarm control system can use relay contacts toensure that if a fault associated with the transmission of an alarmsignal from a thermographic detector device to a fire alarm controlpanel occurs, the fault signal will still be transmitted. System 320allows for failsafe fault signaling from the thermographic detectordevice to the control panel. For example, the fire alarm control panelcan detect when a relay is energized, and, therefore, closes itscontacts. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3, the fire control panel canalso detect when there is a fault associated with a transmission path,such as a power loss (e.g., circuit 320 enters a de-energized state),which causes the relay to open. This can allow for an uninterruptedtransmission of the alarm signal.

FIG. 4 is an example of an illustration of a lens cleansing system 430for use with a thermographic detector device, in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the present disclosure. As previously described(e.g., in connection with FIG. 2), the thermographic detector device caninclude leans cleansing system 430 to minimize the risk of thedegradation of view of the thermographic detector device. Thethermographic detector device can be, for instance, the thermographicdetector device previously described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2.For example, thermographic detector device can be thermographic detectordevice 102 previously described in connection with FIG. 1 orthermographic detector device 202 previously described in connectionwith FIG. 2.

While not limited to such an embodiment, lens cleansing system 430 caninclude an air ring 442, a hose 444, and a compressor (e.g., air pump)446. For example, compressor 446 can be configured to continuouslyprovide air, via hose 444, to air ring 442. Upon receiving air fromcompressor 446, air ring 442 can continuously blow the compressed aironto the lens of a thermographic detector device. This can keep the lensfree of dust and dirt. The thermographic detector device can detect afault associated with lens cleansing system 430 which may prevent airring 442 from continuously blowing the compressed air onto the lens of athermographic detector device and allow for degradation of view of thethermographic detector device.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that anyarrangement calculated to achieve the same techniques can be substitutedfor the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to coverany and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments of thedisclosure.

It is to be understood that the above description has been made in anillustrative fashion, and not a restrictive one. Combination of theabove embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically describedherein will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing theabove description.

The scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure includes anyother applications in which the above structures and methods are used.Therefore, the scope of various embodiments of the disclosure should bedetermined with reference to the appended claims, along with the fullrange of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features are groupedtogether in example embodiments illustrated in the figures for thepurpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is notto be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the embodiments of thedisclosure require more features than are expressly recited in eachclaim.

Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter liesin less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, thefollowing claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description,with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

What is claimed:
 1. A thermographic detector device for a fire alarmcontrol system, comprising: a thermography camera; a memory; and aprocessor configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to:detect a fault associated with the thermographic detector device;determine a type of the detected fault; generate a fault signal thatincludes an indication of the determined type of the detected fault; andprovide a notification of the detected fault using the fault signal,wherein the notification includes the indication of the determined typeof the detected fault.
 2. The thermographic detector device of claim 1,wherein the thermography camera is configured to capture a thermal imagewithin a field of view of the thermographic detector device.
 3. Thethermographic detector device of claim 1, wherein the processor isconfigured to execute the instructions to generate the fault signal upondetermining the type of the detected fault.
 4. The thermographicdetector device of claim 1, wherein the type of the detected fault is adegradation of view of the thermographic detector device.
 5. Thethermographic detector device of claim 1, wherein the type of thedetected fault is a field of view fault associated with thethermographic detector device.
 6. The thermographic detector device ofclaim 1, wherein the fault signal includes an indication of a time thefault was detected.
 7. The thermographic detector device of claim 1,wherein the fault signal includes an indication of a location of thethermographic detector device.
 8. The thermographic detector device ofclaim 1, wherein the fault signal includes an indication of a type ofthe thermographic detector device.
 9. The thermographic detector deviceof claim 1, wherein the thermographic detector device includes a lenscleansing system.
 10. A non-transitory computer readable medium havingcomputer readable instructions stored thereon that are executable by aprocessor to: detect a fault associated with a thermographic detectordevice; determine a type of the detected fault; generate a fault signalthat includes an indication of the determined type of the detectedfault; and provide a notification of the detected fault using the faultsignal, wherein the notification includes the indication of thedetermined type of the detected fault.
 11. The medium of claim 10,wherein the type of the detected fault is an alteration of a focallength of a lens of the thermographic detector device.
 12. The medium ofclaim 10, wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to:capture a thermal image within a field of view of the thermographicdetector device; detect flames within the thermal image; and generate analarm signal upon detecting the flames.
 13. A method of operating athermographic detector device for a fire alarm control system,comprising: detecting a fault associated with the thermographic detectordevice; determining a type of the detected fault; generating, upondetermining the type of the detected fault, a fault signal that includesan indication of the determined type of the detected fault; and sending,to a control panel of the fire alarm control system, a notification ofthe detected fault using the fault signal, wherein the notificationincludes the indication of the determined type of the detected fault.14. The method of claim 13, wherein the type of the detected fault is anobject within a field of view of the thermographic detector device. 15.The method of claim 13, wherein the type of the detected fault is anoperating parameter fault associated with the thermographic detectordevice.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the type of the detectedfault is an internal fault associated with the thermographic detectordevice.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the method includes sendingthe notification of the detected fault to the control panel via atransmission path by which the thermographic detector device and thecontrol panel are communicatively coupled.
 18. The method of claim 13,wherein the type of the detected fault is a fault associated with aconnection between the thermographic detector device and the controlpanel.
 19. The method of claim 13, wherein the method includes providingpower to the thermographic detector device from a power supply of thecontrol panel.
 20. The method of claim 13, wherein the method includesproviding power to the thermographic detector device from a power supplylocated remotely from the thermographic detector device and the controlpanel.